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Abstract:

An ear ailment diagnostic device and method in accordance with the
present disclosure generally comprises a pair of earpieces, which both
further comprise a light source, a magnification lens, an air conduction
channel and a miniature camera. The earpieces may optionally comprise a
thermometer and/or tympanometer. Each earpiece is coupled to an air
conduction tube, an insufflator and an electrical wiring/data tube which
is coupled to a computer. The insufflator may be manually,
electronically, or battery powered. In the preferred embodiment the
computer comprises a smart phone with data processing capability and
wireless communication capability. Any data sent from the device can then
be interpreted and diagnosed in a remote location so that an accurate
treatment is prescribed.

Claims:

1. A device for examining an outer and middle ear, capturing data,
recording data and transmitting data relating to the ear or a pair of
ears comprising: at least one earpiece; said at least one earpiece
further comprising a bulbous housing, a tip of said housing sized to fit
within an ear canal, a light source, and a digital camera; an air tube
directly connected to said tip and an electrical wire directly coupled to
said camera, wherein the air tube and the electrical wire merge to form a
combined tube; an insufflator directly connected to said combined tube;
and a computer electrically coupled to said insufflator.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one clip for
securing said at least one earpiece.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a digital thermometer within
said tip, said thermometer electrically coupled to said electrical wire.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a tympanometer within said
housing, said tympanometer electrically coupled to said electrical wire.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a junction node between said
air tube and said combined tube.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said tip may swivel, pivot, be
maneuverable, extendable, flexible or moldable.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein said air tube is ring-shaped and lines
the inner circumference of said tip.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein said insufflator is either manually
powered or electrically powered.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein said air tube and said electrical wire
remain separate and do not merge to form said combined tube, and said
insufflator is directly coupled to said air tube.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein said air tube and said combined tube
are composed of a mixture of rubber, plastic and cloth.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein said computer is selected form one of
the group consisting of: a smart-phone, a custom dedicated device, a
laptop computer, a tablet computer and a net-book.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein said computer further comprises a
monitor screen, a means for user input, a data input port, a data exit
port, a computer-readable medium and a means for wireless transmission of
data.

17. A method of using the device of claim 1 to diagnose and treat ear
ailments comprising the steps of: inputting user-specific data into a
computer; inserting said tip of said housing into an ear canal;
positioning said tip of said housing and securing with at least one ear
clip; activating a camera within said earpiece to capture an image;
transmitting said data and said image; and remotely diagnosing a
condition of said ear and returning a treatment plan.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of recording
readings from a thermometer or tympanometer while capturing said image.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of activating
said insufflator while capturing said image.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of receiving
instructions from a speaker within said housing, said instructions
describing how to best fit and initiate said device.

Description:

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of medical devices. More
specifically, the invention relates to medical devices and methods for
the diagnosis of ear ailments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Presently, the standard method of treatment for diagnosing external
and middle ear infections requires a live in-person physician appointment
and consultation. This is necessary for both the actual examination as
well as for the diagnosis and management of a care plan. The patient
usually must make an appointment, wait and eventually commute to the
doctor's office; all of which takes a great deal of time and prolongs any
potential injury.

[0004] A doctor will usually use an assortment of various test equipment
such as thermometers, otoscopes, insufflators and tympanometers to
diagnose the ailment. Thermometer readings can indicate if there is
increased blood flow to the area due to inflammation or infection.
Otoscopes, which typically include a light source and possibly a
magnification lens, are commonly used to get a visual of the ear canal as
well as test the mobility of the tympanic membrane (eardrum) by shooting
a puff of air into the ear. The air can be powered electrically or
manually by the use of a small bulb and tubing. Tympanometers or
audiometers, which usually include headphones and a hardware circuit, can
then be used to measure and diagnose the mobility of the eardrum and
ossicles (conductive bones). The sound reflected back to this instrument
can be used to diagnose otitis of the middle or external ear. The results
of this test can also be graphed as a function of decibels over air
pressure. The graphs can then be compared against the norm to reveal
potential injuries such as perforation or scarring of the eardrum,
buildup of wax or lack of contact between the conduction bones.

[0005] The presently disclosed device allows a patient to benefit from
accurate and effective diagnosis of ear ailments through self examination
and remote diagnosis. In this way, both time and expense are salvaged and
lead to quicker diagnosis, which in effect can lead to faster recovery,
healing and/or treatment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An ear ailment diagnostic device and method in accordance with the
present disclosure generally comprises at least one earpiece, which
further comprise a light source, a magnification lens, an air conduction
channel and a miniature digital camera, which is capable of taking still
or digital images. The earpiece may optionally comprise a thermometer
and/or tympanometer. The earpiece is coupled to an air conduction tube,
an insufflator and an electrical/data wire which is coupled to a
computer. The insufflator may be manually, electronically, or battery
powered. The electrical wiring transmits power and video data between the
camera and computer, and power and audio data between the tympanometer
and computer. In the preferred embodiment the computer comprises a smart
phone with data processing capability and wireless communication
capability. Broadly, the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure
generally provides for a telemedicine integrated compact device for the
remote diagnosis and management of an assortment of ear ailments,
especially of the external and middle ear.

[0007] One method of using the device comprises the steps of inputting
user specific data, inserting at least one earpiece into at least one
ear, positioning the earpiece and securing with a clip. Next, the user
will set-up and activate the camera to capture an image or video, and
transmit that data to a hospital, physician or data center. Any data sent
from the device can then be interpreted and diagnosed in a remote
location so that an accurate treatment is prescribed and sent back to the
user. In another interactive embodiment of the method of using the
device, the computer may generate a questionnaire for the user to fill
out based on demographics, genetics or past medical history.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the preferred embodiment
of the present invention.

[0009]FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the preferred embodiment of the
present invention.

[0010]FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of an alternate embodiment of the
present invention.

[0011]FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of yet another embodiment of the
present invention.

[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a process flow diagram of the preferred
embodiment of the method of using the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0013] In the following description of the various embodiments, reference
is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in
which is shown by way of illustration, various embodiments in which the
invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments
may still be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be
made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present
invention.

[0014] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of the preferred embodiment
of an ear ailment diagnostic device 10 is shown. In this preferred
embodiment of ear diagnostic device 10, left earpiece 12 and right
earpiece 14 are bulbous containers which house smaller components. Each
earpiece, 12, 14 could alternatively take other similarly functional
shapes but must comprise at least one tip 30 which is capable of fitting
into the exterior of an ear canal. Both the earpieces, 12, 14 and tips 30
may swivel or pivot or be maneuverable, extendable, flexible or moldable
so as to reach different areas and/or make a more secure connection. Each
may further comprise a small protective shield which may be used to focus
the light emanating from light source 32, which preferably is opposite
tips 30 on earpieces 12, 14. Besides acting as visible conduit into the
ear, tips 30 also comprise air tubes 36. Air tubes 36 may be straight
down the middle of tips 30 or alternatively may be ring-shaped just
inside the circumference edges of tips 30. In this latter shape they can
function without impinging upon visibility and sound transmission. Each
earpiece, 12, 14 will also comprise a miniature camera 34, preferably
located inside the bulbous or spherical structure. Cameras 34 may be
directly connected to earpieces 12, 14 or may form an extension of device
10 in some embodiments of the disclosure. Each camera may be adjustable
so that it may focus on different areas within the first five millimeters
of an ear canal. It may further include servos to remotely control its
position, focus, magnification, aperture speed and independent lighting
source for constant or flash lighting. Camera 34 may use any light source
known in the art which is deemed appropriate for high quality still or
motion pictures. A short motion picture or video clip, typically no more
than fifteen seconds, may be stored on digital memory. Ear device 10
additionally comprises power button and LED power indicator lights 46,
which may be located directly on earpieces 12, 14 as shown in FIG. 1, on
any other part of device 10, or in a foreign location such as a remote
controller.

[0015] Now referring to FIG. 2, left ear tube 16 and right ear tube 18 may
be seen extending downward from their respective earpieces, 12, 14 in a
general conical or C-shape. It is important for these tubes 16, 18 to be
constructed of a flexible material, which include large percentages of
rubber, cloth and/or plastics. Tubes 16, 18 serve to conduct air up to
air tubes 36 as well to conduct electrical power, audio, video and data
feeds downward through optional nexus juncture 20. Additionally, tubes
16, 18 further comprise clips 28, which may fasten the device in place
when in use or keep it locally secure when not in use. From nexus
juncture 20, combined tube 22 carries all merged wires, tubes and lines
through insufflator 24. Insufflator 24, which can be mechanically or
electrically powered through a battery or wall circuit, provides bursts
of increased air pressure through device 10 and into the ear canal, so
that changes to the eardrum can be visually measured. In the preferred
embodiment of device 10, earpieces 12, 14 further comprise a tympanometer
(not shown) which can generate bursts of sound through tiny speakers near
tips 30. The sound that is reflected back from the eardrum can then be
measured through miniature audio sensors within the tympanometer and
transmitted downward past insufflator 24. Results from the tympanometer
are usually graphed by a software program to indicate potential ailments
to the eardrum and/or surrounding location. Finally, earpieces, 12, 14
may further comprise any variety of digital thermometer known in the art,
which are capable of measuring and sending readings down tube 26. Tube 26
can be seen exiting insufflator 24 and entering handheld computer 40
through port 38.

[0016] In the preferred embodiment, handheld computer 40 will be a smart
phone with various software applications as well as wireless data
communication capability, but could easily be envisioned to be a custom
dedicated device or other similar functioning device known in the art.
Computer 40 comprises a monitor or screen and a virtual or tactile
keypad. Alternate embodiments also comprise a speaker, microphone,
camera, mouse, output port 42, touch-pad or joystick 44, camera button 50
and light control button 52. Device 10 may optionally have other controls
used for operating the thermometer, tympanometer, cameras, data I/O,
screen, and/or any associated software.

[0017] Now referring to FIG. 3, an alternate embodiment of the present
disclosure is shown. Device 10 is connected and assembled in a manner so
that nexus juncture 20 is absent and tubes, 16, 18 continue straight, but
individually to insufflator 24. Tubes, 16, 18 may be intertwined or
secured together in some fashion. This construct may allow more
flexibility in the operation of device 10. Additionally, insufflator 24
may be attached by separate wire and tubing (not shown) and independently
connect tube 26, instead of being positioned between tubes 16, 18 and
tube 26.

[0018] Now referring to FIG. 4, another alternate embodiment of the
present disclosure is shown with insufflator 24 and tubing 16, 18
opposite computer 40. This version simply shows that tubing (ie. for air)
can be kept separate from electrical/data wiring 22. In this
configuration, clips 28 can then be placed in alternate locations, such
as on electrical/data wiring 22.

[0019] The presently disclosed device has a broad range of functionality
due to its multiple components. It can provide a visual inspection of a
patient's inner ear due to the tips, light source and cameras. It can
provide a tactile response in conjunction with the visual inspection due
to the insufflator and air tubing. It can also provide a more
electronically sensed response due to tiny speakers which emit sound
waves and sense reflected sound waves form the tympanometer. This data
can only be captured and recorded due to the orientation and construction
of the wiring which directly connects to a computerized unit. Finally,
temperature within the ear or ears can be simultaneously measured and
recorded while any of the previously mentioned tests are being performed.
The tests can then be used to diagnose ailments ranging from a build-up
of earwax, to an infection to a small perforation in the eardrum or even
a misalignment of the ossicles. The versatility of the device eliminates
the need for multiple instrumentation. Additionally, the simplicity of
the device allows for a user or patient with almost any level of skill,
such as a child, to be able to operate the device. The ability to take
the various measurements and, in essence, thoroughly examine an ear
eliminates the need for a patient to travel to a hospital or be in the
presence of a doctor. Instead, a medical practitioner may conduct the
diagnosis and prescribe treatment from any remote location.

[0020] Now referring to FIG. 5, a process flow diagram of the preferred
method of using the presently disclosed device is shown. First, a user
will input family, genetic, demographic and/or past medical record
history into the miniature computer. In one embodiment, the computer may
then provide an appropriate questionnaire based on this information,
which may be helpful in ascertaining additional pertinent information.
The user will then fill out this questionnaire, if provided. The user may
also take a picture of the outside of the ear and profile of the head.
The user will then place at least one tip 30 of earpieces 12, 14 into the
external ear canal of their ears. In some circumstances, only one
earpiece may be used. In one embodiment of the presently disclosed
method, the earpieces may also comprise small speakers which play audio
instructions for proper fit of device 10. In the preferred embodiment,
the user will also use clips 28 on the pinnea (ear lobe) or external ear
in order to ensure the best picture position. The best position can be
confirmed via audio or visual display. Once earpieces, 12, 14 are in
place, the user may press camera button 50 to activate the cameras to
take a picture or video clip. Either the same button, or another button
may then be used to adjust the camera settings, including lighting,
aperture, focus, and magnification, and "snap" the picture. Additionally,
a short video make also be taken. Any number of pictures and video icons
will appear on the screen of mini-computer 40. The screen may also
display other pictures, data and icons representing all data sets from
various tests, various time frames and even various users. The user then
sends the pictures and data to a medical practitioner. The medical
practitioner makes a diagnosis and recommends a treatment, which is
transferred back to the user. In a more sophisticated embodiment of the
present device and method, software within the device or located at a
remote data center will make the diagnosis and recommend a treatment.

[0021] The present invention includes any novel feature or combination of
features disclosed herein either explicitly or any generalization
thereof. While the invention has been described with respect to specific
examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the
invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are
numerous variations and permutations of the above described apparatus.
Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly
as set forth in the previous specification or appended claims.